Chris DeGeare

Today, the Vikings have the always difficult task of trimming their roster down to 53 players. A week or so ago, the Vikings made the jump from 90 to 75. The players cut in the first round are listed below. Today, though, we are focused on the final cuts that will fit the roster within the NFL’s roster requirements.

I’ll do my best to keep up with the cuts as they come. Keep checking back for more.

(Edit: The official announcement of cuts has been made by the Vikings. See the list below for the players who were released/waived today)

DeGeare and Reisner are probably the two players with the most potential on that list.

DeGeare was a fifth round pick last year in 2010 and played in eight games as a rookie, starting five. He was a surprise cut at the beginning of this season, and it is perhaps even more surprising (and disappointing) that he was never able to crack the active roster in 2011. There has been some work ethic related speculation popping up regarding Degeare, which could be an explanation for why the promising rookie didn’t see the field in his second season.

Reisner has bounced around a bit, from the practice squad to the active roster and back to the practice squad, but he could end up seeing an increased role in 2012. Jim Kleinsasser has played his final NFL game and Visanthe Shiancoe may or may not be back as a Vikings next season. Behind Kyle Rudolph, the Vikings tight end depth chart is very unsettled.

I should also note that CFL players are now eligible to sign with NFL teams, a practice that now-G.M. Rick Spielman has pursued in the past. I mentioned a while back that the Vikings had some interest in CFL offensive tackle Jovan Olafioye, and I have since learned that the Vikings have interest in linebacker Solomon Eliminian and defensive tackle Khalif Mitchell. All three players are currently employed by the B.C. Lions.